Cardinals send Beanie Wells packing

Mar. 11, 2013
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Cardinals running back Beanie Wells is one of the first players to take advantage of the NFL's new injured reserve rule that allows injured players to return later in the season. / David Butler II, US Presswire

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals released Wells, the oft-injured running back, on Monday.

"Would like to thank the Cardinals organization for give me the chance to live our my dreams. The best has yet to come!!" Wells wrote on his Twitter account.

Wells, the Cardinals' first round pick in 2009, rushed for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011, but spent half of 2012 on the team's short-term injured reserve list with a toe injury. He played in only eight games last season, and was benched in late December.

The Cardinals have already spoken to the representatives for Miami Dolphins free agent Reggie Bush during the three-day negotiating window.

Wells was scheduled to earn $1,157,500 in base salary plus a $50,000 workout bonus this season.

The Cardinals also released practice squad running back Fozzy Whittaker.